49-Plane Record-Setting Formation Attempt

Related Articles

Forty-nine pilots (and planes) participated in a world-record-breaking attempt, flying a filled Vee formation in Van's RV aircraft at Arrowhead Stadium prior to an NFL football game Oct. 13. Officially, there were 49 airplanes flown by pilots from 19 different states as part of the KC Flight Formation Team. That may set a record recognized by Guinness for civilian aircraft flown together in formation. A thorough review of witness statements and video that may lead to an official record could take up to eight weeks. The performance was part of pre-game ceremonies for the Kansas City versus Oakland NFL football game. And the pilots used the flight to raise money for charity. Permission for the flight was denied before it was approved.

Fundraising efforts began about a month prior to the flight because permission was denied until the team supplied training and safety information to officials. Within that time frame, the pilots were able to raise $25,000 in smaller donations from individuals with a final anonymous $5,000 donation arriving late to reach the team's goal. As a result, KC Flight will deliver the money to the University of Kansas Hospital's cancer center. KC Flight arranges annual fundraisers for breast cancer awareness. This year's effort included the flight as well as a silent auction and raffle that featured events with the Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders, the team mascot and others. Lee's Summit Municipal Airport served as the team's training hub prior to the flight.

Question of the Week

Picture of the Week

As aviation photos go, this was the best this week but there are some great beauty shots when you click through. In the meantime, congratulations to Daniel Gillette for this very nice photo he calls Sunset Pitch-Out. The photo is copyrighted by Gillette.